The gift of peace and calm

There’s a lot of pressure building in people’s lives. Stress may come from deadlines, family pressures, health worries, loneliness and money pressures. People may look around and think that everyone else’s life looks good while all along a lot of people are struggling inside.

Why do we apply so much pressure to ourselves? Is it from working to conform to an idea of what we should be doing? Responding to all of the images we see around us in the many streams of media? There is a massive pressure on all of us and it can and often does cause immense difficulty for so many to hold it together.

This time is a great time for reflection. Noticing how this year unfolded and the situations we attracted to our lives. Thinking about what’s to come in the year ahead and making plans. It’s the best time of all to stop and to pause. To just be. Notice what is and consider what’s important in our lives. What we would like more of? Who are we truly?

At this time of year, quite time becomes even more important in the mix. A time to sit and breathe. A time to pause. Allowing the mind a time to relax and take some ‘time off’ to dive deeply within. It’s here that we can get some amazing restorative power and get some answers. With meditation, we can find a sense of true peace and calm. From the inner world of ourselves, we can dip into the feeling that ‘everything is going to be alright’.

A simple technique to meditate:

Everyone can do this. It’s free, it’s easy and it brings a great peace of mind.

Go to a quiet space and sit in a comfy chair. Make sure your phone and devices are off and that you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the ground and your back up straight. Have a cushion behind you if that helps.

Close your eyes and gently breathe. Notice the breath coming in and going out as you inhale and exhale. Allow your body to relax. As thoughts come in, notice these and allow them to pass without judgment. You are not your thoughts. Suspend judgement about whatever comes into your mind and allow your thoughts to pass through like clouds passing in the sky. Whatever you notice or your attention is drawn to during this quiet time, know that it is perfect. No judgements are needed.

Allow yourself to be in this peaceful space for any length of time from 5 to 15 minutes.

The more you do this practice, the easier it becomes to sit quietly and enjoy the space of just being with yourself.

At the end, rest for a few minutes. Either remain sitting or have a lie down for 5 or 10 minutes. This allows your body to catch up before going back into the daily activities. The rest and relaxation your body will enjoy will set you up for the rest of the day. You’ll notice an increased sense of well-being and more calmness. The benefits of this practice are amazing and powerful.